California's Legislative Analyst's Office and the Value of Independence

Nov 15, 2024 - The added complexity from the alternative revenue estimates making this possible is a worthwhile price to pay. Reaffirming the LAO ’s Independent Mandate The LAO was established in 1941 because the Legislature sought an independent source of information and analysis —one directly accountable to it and serving as a fiscal watchdog on its behalf.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4938

The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision

May 17, 2025 - Finally, although we have not previously recommended the Leg islature take decisive action to address the structural deficits, the state ’s persistent fiscal imbalance and the added downside risks —particularly from potential federal actions —suggest a need for a more proactive approach.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5044

The 2012-13 Budget: Economic and Revenue Update [Publication Details]

Feb 27, 2012 - Like the economic data, reports concerning state revenues have been mixed recently too, with weakness in income tax payments accompanied by speculation concerning a future bonanza of tax revenues due to the possible offering of stock by Facebook, Inc.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/2578

Evolution of the Balance of the Budget Stabilization Account [Publication Details]

Nov 14, 2018 - Evolution of the Balance of the Budget Stabilization Account [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/3900

Rethinking California’s Reserve Policy (Panel 2) [Publication Details]

May 7, 2025 - Rethinking California’s Reserve Policy (Panel 2) [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5041

Reserves, Proposition 2, and the Budget Stabilization Account (Panel 1) [Publication Details]

May 7, 2025 - Reserves, Proposition 2, and the Budget Stabilization Account (Panel 1) [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5040

The 2025-26 Budget: California's Fiscal Outlook

Nov 20, 2024 - Outside of government and health care, the state has added no jobs in a year and a half. Similarly, the number of Californians who are unemployed is 25  percent higher than during the strong labor markets of 2019 and 2022.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4939

Federal Spending in California [Publication Details]

Feb 20, 2025 - Federal Spending in California [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/4974

The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision [Publication Details]

May 17, 2025 - The 2025-26 Budget: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision [Publication Details] Translate Our Website This Google ™ translation feature provided on the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) website is for informational purposes only.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5044

Evolution of the Balance of the Budget Stabilization Account

Nov 14, 2018 - Evolution of the Balance of the Budget Stabilization Account California’s Fiscal Outlook Evolution of the Balance of the Budget Stabilization Account The budget has a few general purpose reserve accounts.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3900